The popularity of the iPhone has fostered a whole new movement in educational and entertaining apps for kids. This has inspired the education community to pay attention to the benefits of learning through iPhone technology. Unfortunately, it is hard for parents and educators to sift through the thousands of apps in the app store to find apps that meet the standards of educating while entertaining. There are many titles marketed as “educational games” that are simply static flashcards that do not engage kids into learning new concepts.
Some iPhone app developers have lost sight of the “fun factor” in learning. This is what keeps a child engaged in learning. Early supporters for learning through gaming, such as James Paul Gee, have led the way in promoting the value of educational games and technology. Professor Gee teaches us that good video games are designed to enhance learning through effective learning principles. In order for educational games to promote learning, Gee has outlined some must have ingredients. Looking for these elements can help parents choose iPhone apps for their kids that will provide educational value as well as a fun and challenging experience. Here are just a few of the important elements:
- Games should be pleasantly frustrating
- Customizable to scale to the level of ability
- Allow players to take a role in the action
- Provide reward system to encourage learning
- Create an identity
- Interactivity that provides feedback
- Allow players to experience risk taking and consequences
- Encourage players to take ownership of their game choices
A good rule of thumb in choosing iPhone apps for kids is to determine if the app fosters some kind of learning, creative thinking or early childhood development along with entertainment.
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